Israel Sinks Weapons Ship

May 19, 2002

The Foreign Report, published in Britain, reports on an Arab arms-smuggling ship that was sunk by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean in the past two weeks. The ship was on its way from Lebanon to Gaza, laden with much weaponry, particularly katyushas and anti-tank rockets. The report says that although Israeli Intelligence was unable to discern the organization that sent the ship, it was clearly bound for the PA. The plan was for P.A. residents of Gaza to collect the weapons while disguised as fishermen.

The Israeli forces originally intended to capture the ship and put it on display, as they did in the case of the Karin-A arms ship four months ago. However, when it was learned that the 20 crewmen were armed and prepared for an attack, it was decided to simply bomb and sink the ship without a fight.